Father Len exposes the dangerous effects of trying to boost self-esteem with excessive or false praise and compliments.

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Highlights, Ideas, and Wisdom.

• “Self-esteem is like a four letter cuss word that when you say it you need to wash your mouth out” – Father Len
  
• Father Len illustrates the negative effects of self-esteem by sharing the story of his encounter with a young man and his big dog during his quest to rid the church grounds of dog poop.
  
• Our current culture promotes a competition to become the greatest victim.
  
• Religion is about becoming a better person, not making you feel good about yourself.
  
• Religion is about being in a relationship with God and others built upon the virtues of love, compassion, and justice.
  
• People with self-compassion gain grit and determination and are more likely to pick themselves up after a failure and try again.
  
• Attempts to boost self-esteem with excessive or false praise and compliments produces fake self-esteem that rejects critical or negative feedback capable of producing personal growth and success.
  
• Fake self-esteem based solely on feelings of “I’m special and smart and beautiful and people love me” is fragile and produces social comparison and constant anxiety.
  
• Kids become bullies to boost their own self-esteem.
  
• Fake self-esteem prepares you to become a victim.
  
• Real self-esteem based on achievements and making and keeping commitments is important for emotional and spiritual health.
  
• Real self-esteem embraces failure and believes everyone can improve.
  

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